Seventy-four people attended the Congregational Meeting on May 18, 2008. There were several points of interest.
Carmine Rossetti gave a report on Sharing More Hope / Than Ever. It was suggested from a member that we as a church make a tithe from the money/pledges that have been raised through this campaign. This would clearly reflect the Biblical principles of the church.
Bob Lehrke gave a report from the building taskforce. They are excitedly waiting to hear from the banks, so the architect can begin working on final plans. An in-house team will transform part of the youth room into a 4th-5th grade classroom this summer.
The budget for 2008-2009 was a surprise to many members. The general fund is, in fact, severely “under-funded,” due to the end of Growing Hope Together. The suggested budget had cuts in worship, music, youth, administration, an elimination of participation in the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, and a cut in our tithe from $40,000 down to $3,000. The one budget increase went to Las Posadas. There was much painful discussion. There were essentially two views: some people felt this was an unfortunate but necessary budget reality. The other group felt this was basically a theological issue: Can we be the people of God and not tithe? The budget passed: 35 votes for, 22 against, and 17 not voting.
The budget that was approved was a two tier budget, with the base budget containing the budget cuts, and the “stretch” budget increasing most line items. The stretch budget will be put in place if giving and pledges rise.